The Denver Nuggets moved one game closer to escaping the opening round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs following Thursday night's 113-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, tying the series at three games apiece. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, there were few moments of doubt that the nuggets would lose the game. From the 13-0 opening run to Corey Brewer's strong play off the bench, this had a Nuggets victory written all over it.
Ty Lawson led the team with 32 points, six assists and five rebounds. He was 13-of-18 from the field, including a solid 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. The team was 10-of-20 overall from three-point land, a step above the last few games for the team.
Rookie forward Kenneth Faried played with everlasting intensity, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He recovered from Kobe Bryant blow to the back of the head, not skipping a bet. Arron Afflalo and Danilo Gallinari combined for 18 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds.
Corey Brewer came up with 18 points off the bench, making numerous mid-range jumpers for an 8-of-12 performance from the floor. Andre Miller added 12 points.
Kobe Bryant battled the stomach flu, coming up with 31 points, but that wasn't enough to lead the Lakers to victory. He made 13-of-23 shots, but the team shot 41.7 percent overall from the field, 10 percentage points below the Nuggets' performance. Andrew Bynum scored 11 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked four shots.
The decisive Game 7 will take place on Saturday at the Staples Center.
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